Sermons on Straining Forward:

Am I Seeking Human Approval? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 20, 2007

First message in revival series at Emmaus Baptist Church, Quinton, VA: We may so need human approval that we forget to seek God’s approval. Either we look backward too much, returning to old habits, or we look forward too much, expecting some "magic" wor

There are certain questions all of us need to ask ourselves. There are certain ways in which we need to probe our own minds and figure out just what we are doing. It never hurts to look inside and be honest and dig out our own motives. For example, since I am now in that wonderful status of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Race

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 14, 2019

Each Christian is running in a marathon. Our Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon which demands our best always.

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Take Up The Full Armor Of God

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 2, 2003

Paul teaches us how to be strong in Lord in this lesson on taking up the full armor of God. Too many Christians are defensive minded when Paul lists armor that is completely used for soldiers who are in forward motion in the good fight of faith. There is

The Armor of God, My Protection from Satan and His Demons – Eph. 6:10-18 Illustration: Today I learned that my Mother has a deadly form of c-121 ovarian cancer. More than ever I need to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. But I need something more. I need to continue to march forward ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Happy Churchgoers

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 1, 2005

Most people attend church with about as much enthusiasm as going to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. David said he looked forward with eager anticipation to being in God’s house. We need that same attitude that of being happy churchgoers.

HAPPY CHURCHGOERS PSALM 122:1 Disclaimer: Source material for this sermon has been gleaned from many different sources. I have attempted to acknowledge these sources whenever possible. Introduction: Most people attend church with about as much enthusiasm as going to the dentist to have a tooth ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 122:1

Denomination: Baptist

Reward

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 23, 2005

Though we look forward to glad heavenly reunion with Christ Jesus and with God at the end of our lives, we need not wait for that time. We can experience that nearness and relationship in the here and now. That is our reward for "receiving" God’s messen

Reward - Matthew 10: 40 - 42 Intro: Crime stoppers – reward for information leading to an arrest – getting a reward for returning something that was lost. The reward is usually tied to some thing or someone. Like links in a chain. I. William Barclay in his commentary on this passage points ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Treasure This

Contributed by John Barr on Feb 26, 2003

People are seeking. Many think they must abandon the past to move forward. Others think they must idol worship the past to have honor for the future. The truth is neither. Mary pondered and treasured the things concerning Jesus. Maybe we can learn a

Treasure’s Abounding Luke 2:19;51 This week has been filled with many activities moving toward closure. As I packed boxes, officiated at a funeral, planned a baby dedication sermon and service I was thinking, reflecting and rejoicing. Today we do 3 things that call for celebration. 1) ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:19, Luke 2:51

Denomination: Church Of God

Walking With God Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Feb 4, 2013

Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior - what next? How do you actually move forward in your life with God? There are forces that want to keep you from doing well, and we explore them in these two psalms.

In your desire to serve and walk with the Lord did you know there are those who do not want you to succeed? There are forces arrayed against you to keep you from loving, mirroring, and serving the Lord. These forces are not friendly, they don’t mean well and cannot be reasoned ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

John The Baptist And What He Said And What He Heard

Contributed by David Mcnally on Jan 17, 2014

John the Baptist, the last of the OT prophets or the first of the NT, proclaimed Law and the need to repent, but also Gospel and how to be forgiven. He looked forward to Jesus and must have been elated when he was told what Jesus said and did

Matthew 11: 2-15 The message John the Baptist preached and the message he received Lutherans are very firm on teaching Law and Gospel and emphasising the correct distinction between the two. We need them both, Law and Gospel, God's Law, rules, duties and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Present Suffering Series

Contributed by Gary Moore on Feb 6, 2008

The believer’s future is connected with Christ’s. Christ is the faithful Son and is the Father’s rightful heir. The Christian by means of his adoption is a joint heir with Christ and may look forward to eternal glory in the presence of the Son (cp. John 1

For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too (2 Corinthians 1.5). Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God; they have received the Spirit of adoption whereby they approach God as “Abba! Father!” Their adoption is sealed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Denomination: Congregational

Turning Tests Into Testimonies

Contributed by Noah Martinez on May 15, 2008

To advance through the predetermined goals that God ordains in each of us, He sends tests. Sometimes we cannot go on to the next exam until we finish the one we are in. With this perspective, we march forward with the help and grace of God.

Turning Tests into Testimonies James 1:12-16 When James tells us do not err, I believe it means not to misunderstand what his point is in vs. 12, 13. There is an explanation why in one verse James relates temptation with God, and in the next says it isn’t God who tempts. In the original wording ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-16

Denomination: Holiness

The Race Set Before Us Series

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jun 25, 2012

From Heb. 12:1 the race set before us is: 1. A Set Race (Sovereignty); 2. A Marked Out Race (Guidance); 3. An Individually Crafted Race; 4. A Forward Looking Race (The Race before us)

The Race Set Before Us PPT 1 Series Title Slide Last week we began a new series, "The Amazing Race, winning the race that matters." It is centered on the teachings and principles found in Hebrews 12:1-3, and since it is a passage that talks about running a race, I thought I could incorporate some ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

When The Church Prays

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Oct 1, 2011

If you understand what scripture and church history says about the primacy of praying together, you will never again view prayer time the same. We must prayerfully step forward in our participation and confidence in prayer, not just as an individual, bu

When the Church Prays Main Passage: Acts 6:1-5 If you understand what scripture and church history says about the primacy of praying together, you will never again view prayer time the same. We must prayerfully step forward in our participation and confidence in prayer, not just as an individual, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-5

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Understanding Spiritual Growth

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Jun 6, 2020

This sermon shares pearls with you on how to live a successful Christian life of faith, power, discipline and maturity. God tells us we can make steps forward towards him, and is always calling us closer, deeper into His ways.

Introduction What does it take to grow up and become spiritually mature? Why do some Christians not grow as they should? The Bible makes it clear that we can grow in our faith and in holiness. It is not a linear path, where we are continually helpless and have no part to play. God tells us we ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14, 2 Peter 3:18

Denomination: Charismatic

Remember Your Creator

Contributed by Hans Krause on Nov 11, 2018

Two men think about life as they face the end of their journey on earth. Has life been meaningless or relevant? Do they look forward to a joyless process of degradation, a painful descent towards the valley of death, or to something more glorious beyond the horizon?

[Sermon preached on 11 November 2018, 25th Sunday after Pentecost / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] A man of about my age—sixty, give or take a few years—sits down, takes up pen and parchment, and starts to write. Or perhaps he calls his secretary and starts to dictate. He senses that his life is ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Lutheran

The God Of Success Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 19, 2018

The god of success does not offer lasting meaning and purpose, but when we give our lives to God and are saved by grace, we have peace as we look forward to hearing Jesus' words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

A. Welcome to Friend Day, if you are visiting with us, we consider you an honored guest and hope that your experience here with us today is encouraging, inspiring, and helpful. 1. Today’s sermon is the sixth sermon in our series called “Counterfeit Gods – Defeating the Idols that Battle for Our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ